Certified Dental Assistant Certificate

The Certified Dental Assistant program at Okanagan College provides the education, training and experience required by the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. for registration as a Certified Dental Assistant.

Graduates work as certified dental assistants in dental offices under the supervision of a dentist. Services may include:

assisting the dentist with dental procedures such as fillings, crown and bridge, root canal therapy, and surgical procedures;

preparing materials for use by the dentist;

processing and sterilizing dental instruments;

providing education to patients about oral health; and performing preventive procedures such as polishing teeth, applying fluoride and sealants; and

patient X-rays and other diagnostic records.

Certified Dental Assistants work as team members and require excellent communication skills, commitment to oral health, and professionalism.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and approved by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. To be registered as a Certified Dental Assistant (Dental Auxiliary - Level II), a student must provide the College of Dental Surgeons with the following confirmation:

grade 12 completion or equivalent;

successful completion of a dental assisting program; and

C.P.R. Level C and must be current at time of graduation.

successful completion of the National Dental Assisting Examining Board Exam

Admission Requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes

A minimum grade of 60% in Biology 12 or an equivalent Provincial Level ABE Biology course

A minimum grade of 60% in one of Chemistry 11, Chemistry 12, Physics 11, Physics 12, an equivalent Provincial or Advanced Level ABE Chemistry or Physics course, Applications of Physics 11, or Applications of Physics 12.

A dental examination confirming healthy teeth and oral tissues.

A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Evidence of a negative tuberculin test, within six months of application or adequate follow-up in the case of a positive test.

Evidence of successful completion of a Red Cross Standard First Aid or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid and a Basic Life Support, Level C course no more than 12 months before the first day of classes.

Applicants are strongly advised to ensure their immunization status is current. Vaccination for hepatitis B is strongly recommended.

Applicants are advised to attend the annual Certified Dental Assistant Program's orientation session and will be notified of the date. (It is usually held in the spring.) Please note that this program is popular and early application is strongly recommended.

Okanagan College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant when, in the opinion of OC, there is significant and substantial evidence, medical or otherwise, to conclude that by granting admission, OC would jeopardize the safety of patients under student care or would otherwise be negligent in providing for the safety and well-being of patients, dental office staff or other students. Applicants are advised that students in this program are expected to engage actively in laboratory practice, acting both as patient/client and as caregiver in simulated situations.

Selection Criteria

As this program generally receives a large number of applications, the following criteria will be used to select the class. By submitting the selection criteria form(s) a student may be offered a seat in the class prior to another applicant with no points, as applicants with the most points get priority.

Relevant experience such as 'chairside' dental assisting experience in British Columbia or equivalent, validated by submission of the required reference form* by the actual employer.

Point Value: 2

Relevant experience as a dental receptionist or dental laboratory technician/assistant validated by submission of the required reference form* by the actual employer.

Point Value: 4 (maximum 2 points per position)

Completion of Okanagan College's DENT 001 (Introduction to Dental Assisting) or an equivalent course, a Dental Reception program, or full or partial completion of another Dental Assisting program, validated by submission of official transcripts.

Point Value: 2 (maximum 1 point per certificate or DENT 001)

Demonstration of prior interest in the program, validated by completing the application process the year immediately preceding the current one at OC.

Point Value: 1

Maximum points students can be awarded is 9.

* Selection criteria forms will be mailed from the Admissions Office to applicants once they have met the initial academic requirements.

Graduation Requirements

A pass in each of the Practicas and a minimum grade of 70 in each other course.

Program Outline

The program consists of three levels. Each level must be successfully completed before students can begin the next level. These levels consist of both theory and clinical classes.

Other Program Information

Students should budget approximately $1,550 for books and supplies such as uniforms, duty shoes, name tag, safety glasses, non-latex treatment gloves, face masks and oral health kit.

Other Expenses:

Registration, the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. license fees, and a National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination fee will be in addition to the expenses noted, and graduation gown rental, approximately $850.

Practicum and Clinical Experiences:

Practicum and clinical experiences are an integral part of health and social services programs. Locations are throughout, and sometimes outside of, the Okanagan Valley. Students must arrange for their own transportation to and from practicum and clinical sites. In most cases, that means a driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle. Travel expenses are the student's responsibility.